JAZZY JEWELS

There are numerous chapters of the Red Hat Society.  You can read all about it at the link I've provided. The goal of the society is for women over the age of 50 to take time for themselves after looking after others and to have fun.Women under the age of 50 are called Pink Hatters. Various chapters will attend and support events sponsored by other chapters. Above is a collage from a luncheon sponsored by The Jazzy Jewels.

1.Red Hatters are allowed to reverse their colors on  their chapter's aniversary and founder's anniversary. That is why these ladies are dressed in red with purple hats. A member may also reverse her colors if it is her birthday month. 

2. Centerpieces were beautiful and elaborate, By the time I decided to take pictures many had been collected from the tables. The center photo gives you an idea of what they looked like.

3. The Jazzy Jewels prepare to sing and dance for the audience. Audience participation is encouraged.



I like to step out of the box when I can so instead of a traditional hat I chose to make a Fascinator in the shape of a tea cup and saucer complete with dainty napkin (a paper doily) and spoon. Protuding from the top of the tea cup is a credit card (fake) because shopping is the official sport of  the Red  Hatters. I was allowed to were a purple hat because it was my birthday month.

Part of the program included  the recitation of Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. The performer was full of expression as she  presented this extraordinary ode.



Everyone was given a goody bag when they arrived. Above is what was inside the bag.  Door prizes were awarded  and I received the purple water bottle you see on the left.

THAT'S IT ***

Key Necklaces

It seems jewelry made from old keys is hot right now. As with most things some of it can be pricey. And as with most things I like, if I think I can do it then I try it. I've really gotten into the crafting craze. I need more space but I'll deal with what I have and call it cozy. I won't show you how junky it is though I did take pics but didn't upload them and I'm not about to do it now.

Below are 5 of the necklaces I made to display and sell at a craft show this past weekend.



REDdy or Not: Slender satin ribbon holds a red glitter painted key outfitted with faux jewels. Baubles on twisted red wire round it out.




Twisted wire on brass door key. Bronze accent jewel. Bronze silk ribbon




Brass key gone green. Stretch gold cord, green bauble, vintage 1950's earring




1976 Toyota Corolla key in its former life. Silk ribbon, vintage earring, faux baubles and pearls+



Blue key necklace, silk ribbon, faux jewels,blue wire

THAT'S IT***

FALL CLUTCH

I surf the NET frequently to get ideas and inspiration for crafts. I came upon this clutch purse some time ago and saved it on my thumb drive on my inspiration page. (Not Pinterest) 

 Time ran out for this seasonal purse of dried rose petals and leaves on a white background..



The rose petal and leaves are probably silk.



I decided I'd do a fall clutch purse. I had the fabric in my stash of "projects never finished but won't throw it away." It's a piece of patterned orange linen. Perfect color for fall. I bought two bags of fabric table scatter leaves from the dollar store. 



orange patterned linen,roll of Stitch Witchery, silkish leaves from the Dollar Store



Each bag of leaves has 50 pieces



The leaves were in olive green, yellow and red/orange.




I'm aware that using linen is out of season but since most of it will be
 covered with the leaves and it IS orange I decided  to
use it.

 1.  I cut out two pieces of the orange fabric so that I could line the purse.

2. I put the lining to the side and worked with just the part that would have the leaves.
3. I couldn't decide if I wanted to glue on the leaves with OK To Wash It glue or use Stitch Witchery.
4. I decided on Stitch Witchery.
5. I cut a strip of Stitch Witchery and laid the leaves randomly across the strip. Using a paper bag as a pressing cloth I pressed the leaves onto the strip


It was not my intention to adhere the entire surface of the leaves to the fabric. I wanted it free in areas to add to the look and texture.

6. I sewed wrong sides together of the appliqued fabric and the lining, leaving a small open area to turn it inside out .
7. I folded the strip of decorated fabric in the form of a clutch purse  sewing the finished wrong sides together and boxing it at the bottom.
8. I sewed on a square of velcro also adding a button and elasticized loops on the ends for extra closure security.
FINISHED almost



The clutch purse opened




The clutch purse closed. You probably can't see it but I did
 sew the grid of stitches across the leaves as in the
inspirational purse at the top



AFTER THOUGHTS
*The leaves will be raveling because they didn't have finished edges which will make for a short life for this purse.
*Those leaves that were in the bends and folds of the purse with loose edges, I did use fabric glue to secure.
*I will probably add a strap to hang it on my wrist.
* I failed to mention that I tried to stiffen it some by ironing on interfacing to the lining before putting it all together. I thought about using cardboard but if it got wet that could be disastrous.
*There is a pocket inside. I didn't bother to post the picture because it didn't show up well.
* Lastly, I have got to learn to take better pictures.

THAT'S IT***